News & Gossip

The PIL seeking a ban on Netflix's series 'IC 814 The Kandahar Hijack' has been withdrawn from the Delhi High Court. The petitioner, Surjit Singh Yadav, cited concerns over the misrepresentation of terrorists' identities. Netflix has added a disclaimer to clarify the real names, addressing the issues raised.

From intense action thrillers like Leo and Thuppakki to socially charged hits like Mersal, Vijay's top films showcase his versatility, charisma, and mass appeal in Tamil cinema.

The company's revenue from cricket franchises surged by 138% to Rs 659 crore in FY24, up from Rs 276 crore in the previous year. The company's consolidated revenue from operations surged 15% to Rs 4,787 crore, while net profit jumped 13% to Rs 1,925 crore.

Virat Kohli emerged as the highest tax-paying sportsperson in India for FY24, contributing Rs 66 crore. He ranks fifth among celebrity taxpayers, following Shah Rukh Khan, Vijay, Salman Khan, and Amitabh Bachchan. Other notable sportspersons on the list include Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar.

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction preventing T-Series from releasing any film under titles incorporating 'Aashiqui'. This decision follows a petition by Vishesh Films to protect the established 'Aashiqui' franchise. The court noted potential brand dilution and confusion, supporting Vishesh Films' intellectual property rights.

GTPL Hathway has launched the GTPL Buzz app, offering cloud gaming, live TV streaming, and international content channels. The app includes Blacknut Cloud Gaming's first commercial launch in India, with over 500 premium games. It also integrates Distro TV for a variety of global content and features an upgraded GIVA chatbot for customer support.

Apple-owned Beats has announced Bollywood actress Ananya Panday and cricketer Shubman Gill as brand ambassadors for its new product range in India. The campaign aims to highlight Beats Solo Buds, Beats Solo 4, and Beats Pill. Both celebrities will feature in current and future marketing campaigns.

Ultra Media & Entertainment Group has launched two new OTT platforms, Ultra Play and Ultra Gaane, focusing on classic Hindi films and music. The company plans to invest Rs 500 crore over five years in these ventures. Subscription costs are Rs 199 per year or Rs 99 for three months.

The Indian Premier League's (IPL) business value has decreased by 11.7% to $9.9 billion in 2024 due to a reassessment of media rights and industry consolidation. The merger between Star India and Viacom18, along with the delay in tech giants entering the bidding, has contributed to this decline.

Netflix India has updated the opening disclaimer of its series 'IC814: The Kandahar Hijack' to include the real and code names of the hijackers. This change follows concerns over the depiction of Hindu code names. The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, is based on the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814.

Netflix has assured sensitivity to India's sentiments following government summons regarding the use of Hindu names for terrorists in 'IC814-The Kandahar Hijack'. The series, directed by Anubhav Sinha, depicts the flight hijack that ended in Kandahar. Netflix India’s content head Monika Shergill has been asked to provide an explanation.

Subhash Chandra alleged that Sebi under Buch scuttled Zee's merger deal with Sony Pictures Networks India through its "motivated investigation" against him and his son Punit Goenka, managing director and chief executive of Zee Entertainment. He noted that Sebi's confirmatory order banning Goenka from holding a top-level position in any listed entity was overturned by the Securities Appellate Tribunal.

As per the agreement with Walt Disney, RIL will inject ₹11,500 crore into Star-Viacom18, gaining a controlling 56% stake. Walt Disney will hold a 37% stake, with the remaining 7% owned by Uday Shankar and James Murdoch's Bodhi Tree Systems.

Zee group patriarch Subhash Chandra has made serious allegations against SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, accusing her of corruption and bias. Chandra claims this bias influenced the Zee-Sony merger and has halted cooperation with SEBI. Chandra is exploring legal action and calls on other corporate houses to join his fight.

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has appointed Shiva Chinnasamy as the new Chief Technology and Product Officer. He will be based in Bengaluru, focusing on data, AI, and machine learning to enhance consumer experience. With over 20 years of experience, Chinnasamy aims to support the company's growth and innovation goals.

Netflix's content head has been summoned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting amid controversy over the IC814: The Kandahar Hijack web series. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, the series has been criticized for using Hindu names for terrorists. BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Kangana Ranaut condemned the portrayal as distorting historical facts.

Apple's collaboration with Bharti Airtel will enhance its music and video streaming services in India. The deal grants many of Airtel's 281 million customers free access to Apple Music and Apple TV+. This move highlights Apple's aim to expand its presence in the Indian content market, where it has previously focused on manufacturing.

The investment will cover the licensing fee to the US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) as well as production and talent costs, they added. Industry watchers said 'Bigg Boss Hindi', hosted by Bollywood star Salman Khan, is currently the country's most expensive non-fiction show, with budgets exceeding Rs 150 crore.

B Unnikrishnan, general secretary of FEFKA, acknowledges "strong alliances" in the cinema industry based on commercial interests but denies any secret "power group". He also discusses AMMA's response to the Hema Committee report and addresses Vinayan's complaint regarding his position in the cinema policy-making committee.

Actor Jayasurya has denied recent sexual harassment allegations which he claims have deeply affected him and his family. He announced plans to address these accusations legally. Multiple allegations against other Malayalam film industry figures have emerged following the Justice K Hema Committee report on harassment and exploitation of women in the industry.

PVR INOX plans to close 70 non-performing screens in FY25 while adding 120 new ones, focusing on South India. The company aims to adopt a capital-light growth model and potentially monetize non-core real estate assets to become net-debt free. Revenue strategies include increasing footfalls and optimizing costs.

This move towards a new movie entente comes against the backdrop of economic sanctions and a cultural boycott by the West. According to a Reuters report in March, about 1,000 foreign companies have exited Russia, suffering losses of about $107 billion. Meanwhile, Muscovites say their own firms have stepped in, particularly in sectors like food and fashion, that they don’t feel any difference.

Zee Entertainment has filed an application with the NCLT to recall the order sanctioning its merger with Sony's India media units. Zee and Sony announced a comprehensive settlement, resolving all disputes related to their failed merger.

RIL AGM: Reliance Industry chairman Mukesh Ambani on Thursday welcomed Disney after the company received CCI's approval for merger. During the 47th AGM, Ambani lauded the deal and called it "beginning of a new era."

Bollywood stars shine as key wealth creators in the 2024 Hurun India Rich List. Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, revered as the 'King of the Indian Entertainment Industry,' makes his first appearance on the 2024 Hurun India Rich List.

Shah Rukh Khan on Hurun Rich list 2024: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has debuted on the 2024 Hurun India Rich List with an estimated wealth of Rs 7,300 crore. At 58, his financial success stems from stakes in Kolkata Knight Riders and Red Chillies Entertainment, indicating his substantial achievements beyond acting.

Walt Disney Co and Reliance Industries have received approval from the Competition Commission of India for their $8.5 billion merger of Indian media assets. The approval came after concessions related to their control of cricket broadcasting rights, amid concerns of reduced competition in the sports TV and advertising markets.

The investment, which is expected to include an AI university and data centre in the park, has the potential to create 5,000 jobs in the next five years, the ministry said in a statement.

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the merger between Reliance Industries-promoted Viacom18 and Walt Disney-owned Star India. This merger is set to create India's largest media and entertainment firm. Integration will start soon, with Reliance holding a 56% stake, while Disney and Bodhi Tree Systems will own 37% and 7%, respectively.

The Union Cabinet has approved holding the third batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM radio channels in 234 new cities under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy. The annual license fee will be four percent of gross revenue, excluding GST. This expansion aims to fulfill unmet demand, support local content, and create new jobs.

Walt Disney Co and Reliance Industries have received approval from the Competition Commission of India for an $8.5 billion merger of their Indian media assets. This deal will create India's largest entertainment company, combining a wide range of television channels and streaming services, including extensive sports rights and diverse content libraries.

Apple has signed a content deal with Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel to capture a larger share of India's $28 billion entertainment market. Leading streaming platforms in India include Disney+Hotstar with a 26% market share, Amazon Prime Video with 23%, Netflix with 13%, ZEE5 with 11%, JioCinema with 7%, and Sony LIV with 4%.

A rape case has been registered against Malayalam actor Sidhique based on allegations of sexual assault in 2016 by a female actor, police said. An FIR was registered under sections 376 and 506. This follows similar allegations in the Malayalam cinema industry, highlighted in the Justice Hema Committee report.

Apple is collaborating with India's Airtel to offer free access to Apple TV+ and Apple Music for Airtel's premium customers. This strategic move aims to expand Apple's presence in India's competitive entertainment market, as it competes with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ Hotstar. Airtel's Wynk music app will be discontinued as part of this arrangement.

Bharti Airtel is shutting down its music streaming service Wynk Music after a decade. Over 100 million Wynk users will initially receive a free trial of Apple Music, transitioning to paid subscriptions if they choose. This strategic move allows Airtel to exit a challenging market and provides Apple with a substantial new user base in India. The partnership also includes future exclusive access to Apple Music and Apple TV+ for Airtel customers. Wynk, generating ₹250-₹300 crore annually, will be phased out, and its employees will be absorbed into Airtel.

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (CMEPL) operating as Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (BEPL) have reached a comprehensive non-cash settlement to resolve all disputes related to their Merger Co-operation Agreement and Composite Scheme of Arrangement.

Zee Sony Merger News: Zee Entertainment and Sony’s Culver Max Entertainment reached a settlement, resolving disputes and terminating their $10 billion merger. The companies agreed to withdraw claims in Singapore and forgo termination fees and damages. Zee’s shares increased by 8% post-announcement. Originally approved in August, the merger would have created a leading media company.

Bharti Airtel has partnered with Apple to provide exclusive entertainment packages for Indian users. Airtel Xstream customers will enjoy Apple TV+ with premium WiFi and postpaid plans and exclusive deals on Apple Music for Wynk Premium users. These services will be available later this year, enriching Airtel's content offerings.

The News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) will hold a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss issues related to the broadcasting sector, including the draft Broadcast Bill and IT Rules 2021. The NBDA has raised concerns about government overreach and potential disruptions from the Department of Telecom's plans for 5G/6G spectrum allocation.

Last week, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) withdrew an office memorandum from September 2016 that extended the scope of a copyright rule to internet transmissions. This move is expected to strengthen the position of copyright owners, allowing them to negotiate better royalty rates.

Stree 2, a joint production between Jio Studios and Maddock Films, has already grossed over Rs 500 crore globally, including Rs 426 crore from India. The horror comedy film, which was produced at a cost of over Rs 100 crore, has delivered a net box office collection of Rs 361 crore.

The Hindi horror comedy 'Stree 2', featuring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, grossed over Rs 500 crore globally, according to its creators. Directed by Amar Kaushik and produced by Dinesh Vijan, the film released on August 15 and outperformed rivals at the box office. It earned Rs 426 crore domestically and Rs 78.5 crore internationally.

The Paris 2024 Olympics captivated over 170 million viewers in India, achieving a record 1500 crore minutes of watchtime. Viacom18's extensive broadcast on JioCinema and Sports18 Network set new benchmarks with 20 concurrent feeds, including 17 sport-specific and 3 curated feeds, all in 4K.

Sony Pictures Networks India's channels have returned to Tata Play's packages after resolving their differences. Tata Play had recently removed SPNI channels due to declining market share. The channels are now reinstated. SPNI had earlier sought an audit of Tata Play's subscriber management system, citing discrepancies.

Disney and Reliance have proposed concessions to India's antitrust authority to gain approval for their $8.5 billion media merger but refuse to sell any cricket broadcast rights, the deal's most valuable asset. In response to the Competition Commission of India's (CCI) concerns about market dominance, the companies agreed not to unreasonably increase ad rates for cricket matches. The CCI is now reviewing the concessions, with a broader investigation possible if concerns persist.

With over two decades of success and experience in the Indian entertainment industry and leveraging Hakuhodo’s global creative prowess and distribution network, Trigger Happy Studios is now focused on producing and distributing feature films and international co-productions that push the boundaries of storytelling.

Reliance-Star India Merger: The Indian antitrust body may compel Disney and Reliance to sell some cricket broadcast rights or cap advertisement prices as part of an $8.5 billion merger. The proposed merger aims to dominate India's entertainment sector, but concerns about monopolistic control over cricket broadcasts have arisen, leading to confidential negotiations and potential structural changes.

Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India have delivered a number of hit scripted adaptations, including The Night Manager and The Trial, alongside successful originals like Aarya, Dahan, Matsya Kaand, Bombay Begums, and Trial By Fire. The companies are also behind strong non-scripted productions including MasterChef, Big Boss, Temptation Island, and Into the Wild with Bear Grylls.

RIL and Disney, which are seeking to complete the merger by October, have been scouting for ways to assuage the regulator's concerns about the potential impact of the merger on the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) industry.